Saturday, September 29, 2018

Autumn is not the only thing bringing about change! I have been blogging for several years. However, through my blogging journey, the Lord is increasing my desire to write and encourage others. I have been praying and seeking His direction for me. Part of this new direction has resulted in the name change of my blog and a new blog address. Hopeful Heart is now called "Sunshine for Your Heart" and can be found at www.sunshineforyourheart.org. I also have a facebook page called "Sunshine for Your Heart-Melaina Ferrell". I feel called to go deeper into Women's Ministry and this blog is an avenue in which I can encourage and minister. I want to remind you that on my website, there is a prayer request form. I would love to be able to pray for you.

Additionally, I am available to speak to groups of women of all ages and would love to encourage you in the Lord through His Word. I am currently serving on the leadership team of Beautifully Broken Ladies Fellowship that meets monthly in Yantis, Texas. I am also serving alongside my husband, Chad, a Youth/Music Pastor.

If you are a ministry leader, minister's wife, or any woman needing encouragement, know that this blog is for you! Please feel free to contact me via Facebook, email, or the website. Would you please pray with me as I seek to follow God's leading in this new chapter of my life? Thank you for being a faithful reader and prayer warrior!

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Each day brings about change. As the Fall Season begins, we are reminded yet again of this constant change. This morning I was visiting with my step Mom who is 82 years young. She has handled change very gracefully in her life. We were reflecting about years gone by and how this world has changed so much. As we discussed the many seasons of life, I asked her what she thought the secret to life was. Her answer was "love"; not the world's definition of love but what the Bible tells us love is. The Bible tells us that love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a The world tells us that love is a feeling, it's "magical" and is makes all your dreams come true. The world's love doesn't tell you the truth, it tells you what you want to hear. I have to confess I like to watch Hallmark movies, but I must say that Hallmark is FAR from real life or real love! Real love is what Jesus did for us on the Cross. Real love is what Jesus did for us when He rose from the grave and conquered death. Real love is not emotion. Real love is not just saying what someone wants to hear but telling them the truth. Real love is a gift. If you can take it away I don't think it was love. Falling out of love is a false statement. Love is a commitment. Love is a choice. The love my step-Mom was talking about is an anchor that keeps us steady during life's storms. During the next month, I am going to be blogging about examples of this kind of love in real life.

A Word From The Author❤

God's Word can be sunshine for our hearts. His Word brings life and freedom. However, we have a choice; believe His Word or believe our fears and feelings. God's Word says He loves you and will never leave nor forsake you. When we stand on His Word and let it be the foundation of all we do, then we can run this race unto God and finish strong. No matter how you feel, the truth stands. You are loved. You are not a mistake. You have a purpose. God will do the changing in you, just come to Him. No problem is too big for Him; no addiction is too strong, no depression is too deep, no brokenness is too far gone! He longs to redeem all the enemy has taken from you. Will you trust Him today?